Yoga is an ancient mind-body practice that aims for balance and well-being. Today, people practice yoga for a wide range of health benefits – from physical fitness to stress relief. But one of the key benefits of practicing yoga is building a strong connection between your body and mind.
When you regularly practice yoga, your physical postures and breathwork begin to have a positive impact on your mental state. Your mat becomes a place where your body and mind learn to work together in harmony. Here are 4 ways yoga helps build a strong body-mind matrix:
Physical postures – Yoga asanas help develop strength, flexibility and balance in your body. But they also teach your mind focus and concentration as you hold each posture. Over time, you learn to use your mind to control and steady your body. This creates a communication channel between the two.
Breathing exercises – Pranayama like alternate nostril and ujjayi breathing exercise both your body and mind. As you control and focus on your breath, it affects your stress levels and mental thoughts. Regular pranayama provides more oxygen to the brain, calming your nervous system and reducing anxiety.
Meditation – Yogic meditative practices like dhyana have a direct impact on your brain. As you meditate regularly, certain regions of your prefrontal cortex actually thicken, improving your memory, focus and cognitive skills. This helps unify your mind and body, creating a feedback loop between the two.
Mindful movement – Practicing yoga with awareness makes you pay attention to the connection between your physical movements and mental state. Each pose teaches you to feel your body and use your mind to move with optimal alignment and efficiency. Over time, your whole practice becomes permeated with mindfulness.
As you continue practicing yoga, the connection and communication between your body and mind keeps strengthening. You develop the ability to control your physical and emotional reactions using just your thoughts. Your body becomes better at executing the tasks given by your mind. This integration of body and mind is what leads to true wellness and health – within and without.
